BFing?

I've seen some positive stories on here about BFing twins. I really want to try and have been reading and already may go to a La Leche meeting. But I am already having anxiety about it and wondering if I'm crazy to try? With DS I had a hard time - I had some PPD, latch wasn't great, and my supply was low. The first few weeks - which I know are the hardest regardless I was miserable. If he didn't feed well - I was resentful and upset with myself - when he had a good feeding - I enjoyed it. I really do want to try with the twins and be successful - like I said just having anxiety about it as I was watching some videos and wondering - can I really do it?

Any advice or support from BTDT moms would be great!

TIA!

Re: BFing?

It's definitely doable but takes some time getting used to. Plus you have to decide what's right for you. I knew from early on that I would try but if it didn't work out I wasn't going to beat myself up about it.

I also knew I wasn't going to solely breastfeed and was fine with them getting formula. In the beginning I had to nurse them one at a time because one of them was so slow to feed and needed a lot of attention. It was exhausting. The LC at the hospital was great and also helped me with pumping until my supply really came in.

After about a week I was so tired, I decided to pump which saved me. I did it at night before I went to bed when I felt like I was gonna burst. A couple weeks later, with DH's help I was able to nurse them at the same time which was such a timesaver.

I only breastfed them for about 9 weeks. I was hoping to hold out for the 3 months but I am still proud I got that far.

You def need a good support team. DH was my biggest cheerleader and when I said I couldn't do it anymore, he never pushed and always supported me. He would set up the pump for me and put it away, he sat with me when I nursed. It was these little things that kept me going when I didn't think I could anymore.

Most importantly, don't be hard on yourself. We all do the best we can. Remember, happy mommy makes happy everyone!

BFing?

There are so many girls on here who ebf or partially bf their twins! Don't worry, there is always a backup plan! It is totally doable!
I wasn't able to for medical reasons, but I know at least 2 or 3 people on here who did.

Re: BFing?

It's possible! My girls are 9 months old and are still ebf. It definitely isn't always easy and I'm still always worried that I'll stop producing enough but so far so good.

My twins are my first kids so I had no idea what to expect going into bfing twins. I was very anxious about how it would go. It was hard in the beginning with 45 minute feedings and then still having to feed a second baby. For a few weeks I fed them one at a time until they were awake more and one would start crying while I was still feeding the other one. One day, I just decided that I had to go for it and fed them at the same time. That was such a time saver.

One of my girls was in the nicu for a few days so I started pumping immediately, I think maybe the day after I had them. I was also able to get a freezer stash going that way.

If you have any questions, feel fee to pm me. I obviously don't post much but I'd be happy to try to help. There were many times that I thought about giving up but I just thought about all the bottles I would have to wash and the expense of formula so I pushed though. Good luck!

Oh, I'd recommend the double my Brest friend. That's what I would use when feeding then at the same time

Re: BFing?

my twins are 20 months and we are still bfing. it wasnt easy in the beginning and i had to exclusively pump for a few months and then got them back to the breast and it's been smooth sailing ever since. my advice is to surround yourself with other twin moms who bf. if you want, fm me your facebook name and i can friend you and add you to a lot of supportive groups where it's all twin moms who bf.

Re: BFing?

as for best practices in the beginning- get yourself comfortable with tandem nursing as soon as possible. i used the my breast friend pillow and would just sit and watch tv and nurse and nurse and nurse! i didnt pump or use a paci for the first month.
get a LC even if you dont think you're having problems. she will support you through it all. i still talk and consult with mine. get as much support as possible!

Message edited 7/31/2014 4:40:01 PM.